Five Famous Names Bringing New Bars and Restaurants to Miami in 2017

Miami's culinary world has drastically changed in the past few years. No longer relying on chains or famous faces, the city has seen its chefs come into their own, cooking passionate dishes filled with creativity that speak to Miami's vast roots and multiple cultures.

That doesn't mean, however, that out-of-town restaurateurs and chefs can't thrive in our environment. Take, for example, Stephen Starr. The Philadelphia-based restaurateur has opened several well-received restaurants, including his most recent, Upland, with chef Justin Smillie. Jean-Georges Vongerichten's interpretation of Latin cuisine at Matador Room, where Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford helms the kitchen, is another prime example of big names taking care to bring great experiences to Miami rather than simply phoning in an eatery.

1. Voltaggio Brothers' Monger at MiamiCentral Allows Guests to Curate Their Own Meals Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio have announced details about their first Miami collaborative restaurant. Monger will be located in Central Fare, the food hall that is part of downtown's MiamiCentral. The complex will feature retail, office, and residential space and will be the Miami hub for the Brightline train that connects the Magic City to Orlando.

Amelia

Courtesy of Employees Only

2. Employees Only to Open Miami Beach LocationAward-winning New York City bar Employees Only is expanding its scope by opening locations in Singapore, Austin, and Miami Beach. According to the New York Times, Employees Only will open in the Washington Park Hotel complex, located at 1050 Washington Ave. The hotel's website confirms the imminent arrival of the beloved bar and restaurant, stating, "NYC’s beloved speakeasy, Employees Only, will make its first foray outside Manhattan with the Miami debut as the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar this fall."

Geoffrey Zakarian returns to South Florida with two concepts.

Courtesy Geoffrey Zakarian

3. Geoffrey Zakarian to Open Point Royal Restaurant at the Diplomat Beach ResortDuring a culinary demo at the 2016 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Geoffrey Zakarian mentioned he would open a restaurant at the Diplomat Beach Resort. So it was fitting that the celebrity chef announced further details at the New York Wine & Food Festival. Zakarian, cohosting the event Rooftop Chopped, shared specifics about the concept with New Times.

Sullivan Street's Jim Lahey won a James Beard Award this year.

Photo by Bionicgrrrl via Flickr Creative Commons

If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.

Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times, has been featured on Cooking Channel's Eat Street and Food Network's Great Food Truck Race. She won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature about what it's like to wait tables.